Is It Possible to Predict Difficulties During Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy? A Single Centre Experience

Area of Science:

• Bariatric Surgery
• Surgical Outcomes
• Minimally Invasive Procedures

Background:

• Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a prevalent bariatric surgery worldwide.
• Identifying preoperative risk factors for intraoperative complications is crucial for predicting outcomes and optimizing surgical approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and analyze potential risk factors associated with intraoperative difficulties during LSG.
• To determine the predictive value of patient demographics and comorbidities on surgical complications.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of consecutive LSG patients from 2017-2020.
• Patients were divided into two groups: those with (Group 1) and without (Group 2) intraoperative difficulties.
• Logistic regression analysis evaluated demographic characteristics, comorbidities, and surgeon experience as risk factors.

Main Results:

• 37 patients (11.71%) experienced intraoperative difficulties.
• Higher rates of diabetes, pulmonary disease, and sleep apnea were noted in Group 1.
• Univariate analysis identified BMI > 50 kg/m², diabetes, pulmonary disease, and surgeon experience as risk factors. Multivariate analysis confirmed surgeon experience as the sole significant factor.

Conclusions:

• Surgeon experience is the only significant predictor of intraoperative difficulties in LSG.
• Focusing on surgeon expertise can improve patient safety and surgical outcomes in bariatric procedures.